The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is Australia's national transport safety investigator. The ATSB's function is to improve safety and public confidence in the aviation, marine and rail modes of transport. The ATSB is Australia's prime agency for the independent investigation of civil aviation, rail and maritime accidents, incidents and safety deficiencies.

Summary

Summary

The pilot of VH-TJL reported ready at the holding point for runway 23, and was cleared for take-off. He had noticed the landing lights of Singapore Airlines SIA227 on a 7 mile final and queried the clearance. The air traffic controller confirmed that he was cleared for an immediate take-off. As VH-TJL commenced to roll, SIA227, which was now on a 2.5 mile final at approximately 600 feet, was cleared to land, but the pilot elected to make a missed approach and commenced a go-around. In the air traffic controller's opinion an unsafe situation could develop if VH-TJL climbed up towards the overflying Boeing 747, so cancelled its take-off clearance. The take-off was rejected from below V1 speed, and after completing checklist procedures the aircraft taxied from the runway. Garuda Airlines GIA227 on a 3 mile final was cleared to land, but also went around. Pre-dawn conditions existed at the airport with light and variable winds on the ground, but aircraft reported strong south-easterly winds with moderate to severe turbulence above 500 feet which may have allowed a faster than normal final approach. A CAA investigation with supporting information, found that a breakdown in separation standards had not occurred, and runway separation standards would have been maintained if either aircraft had continued its approach for landing.